India dismisses EU Parliament’s involvement in Manipur violence as “colonial mindset”

On July 12, 2023, a group of European Union (EU) parliamentarians attempted to discuss the communal violence in Manipur and its impact on the people of the state. However, the Indian government, through the office of the Ministry of External Affairs, made this clear in response to a motion for “a resolution on India, the situation in Manipur,” which was tabled for discussion under the breaches of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure of the EU parliament.

In Strasbourg, France, the Parliament called upon Indian authorities to take necessary measures to put an end to the ethnic and religious violence and to ensure the safety of all religious minorities. However, when asked about this development, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, stated that such interference in India’s internal affairs is unacceptable, and reflects a colonial mindset. He further stated that the Indian authorities, including the judiciary, are aware of the situation in Manipur and have taken necessary steps to ensure peace, harmony, and law and order. He added that the European Parliament should focus on resolving its internal issues, instead of involving itself in the internal affairs of India.

On Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary, Vinay Kwatra, stated that the Indian government has contacted the concerned EU parliamentarians and emphasized that the matter is entirely internal to India.